Strengthening a Longstanding Partnership
On October 3, 2025, Singapore and China marked the 35th anniversary of their diplomatic relations — a milestone that reflects decades of mutual trust, cooperation, and shared development goals.
To commemorate this occasion, leaders and senior officials from both nations exchanged congratulatory messages, reaffirming their commitment to deepen collaboration across various sectors and to uphold strong bilateral ties in the years ahead.
Leaders’ Messages Reflect Strong Mutual Trust
According to official statements, Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang and Foreign Minister Wang Yi sent congratulatory messages to Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan respectively.
At the same time, Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam and Prime Minister Lawrence Wong exchanged letters with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang.
These high-level exchanges underscore the special significance and resilience of the Singapore–China relationship, which has continued to thrive amid global uncertainties.
Cooperation Projects Achieve Remarkable Results
In his message, Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang highlighted the impressive outcomes of several flagship bilateral projects, including the
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Suzhou Industrial Park,
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Tianjin Eco-City,
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Chongqing Connectivity Initiative, and
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Guangzhou Knowledge City.
These projects, he noted, serve as cornerstones of practical cooperation and have contributed significantly to both countries’ economic development.
Prime Minister Lawrence Wong emphasized that these government-to-government initiatives were launched at different stages of China’s development, aligning with evolving national priorities. He added that they remain valuable platforms for future collaboration.
Expanding into Digital and Green Frontiers
Beyond traditional cooperation, both countries are now expanding partnerships into emerging sectors such as the digital economy, green transition, food security, and financial innovation.
President Tharman noted that Singapore–China collaboration has deepened in financial cooperation and is making progress in new areas that will shape the future of sustainable growth.
Prime Minister Wong expressed optimism that both sides will continue to strengthen joint efforts in digital transformation, clean and renewable energy, and sustainable finance — all key drivers for the next phase of economic cooperation.
Shared Commitment to Global Governance
Amid a volatile global environment, both countries reaffirmed their shared responsibility in promoting stability and multilateralism.
Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat underscored that Singapore and China should continue to work closely at bilateral, regional, and global levels to safeguard a rules-based international order and an open multilateral trading system.
Foreign Minister Wang Yi added that China is ready to enhance communication and coordination with Singapore in international affairs and jointly practice true multilateralism to uphold global peace and prosperity.
Institutional Frameworks Anchoring Bilateral Cooperation
The Singapore–China Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) — the highest-level platform overseeing bilateral initiatives — will convene its annual meeting this year in Chongqing.
Alongside the Singapore–China Leadership Forum and the Social Governance Forum, the JCBC provides institutional support for deepening collaboration between the two nations.
Singapore also maintains economic and trade council partnerships with eight Chinese provincial-level regions, facilitating sustained and practical business cooperation.
A Forward-Looking, High-Quality Partnership
As both countries celebrate 35 years of diplomatic ties, this milestone not only highlights the depth and resilience of Singapore–China relations but also signals a renewed commitment to building a “Comprehensive, High-Quality, and Forward-Looking Partnership.”
Standing at a new historical juncture, Singapore and China are poised to explore new opportunities, embrace innovation, and jointly shape the future of regional cooperation.
References
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Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Singapore (MFA) – Exchange of Congratulatory Messages between Singapore and China on the 35th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations
https://www.mfa.gov.sg/Newsroom/Press-Statements-Transcripts-and-Photos/2025/10/Exchange-of-Congratulatory-Messages-between-SG-and-China -
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China (MOFA) – President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang Exchange Messages with Singapore Leaders
https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/xw/zyxw/202510/t20251004_11723049.html -
Channel NewsAsia (CNA) – Singapore, China leaders exchange congratulatory messages to mark 35 years of diplomatic ties
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/congratulatory-messages-singapore-china-35-anniversary-diplomatic-relations-mfa-5381896 -
Wikipedia – China–Singapore Relations
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/China–Singapore_relations
